Dogs have many needs that change with age, from exercise and nutrition to dental care and weight management. As these changes impact overall health, regular check-ups with your veterinarian should become essential.
1. Exercise – Each dog’s needs vary, but as a general guideline it’s recommended that they receive 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity each day – such as walks, jogging, playing fetch or swimming.
2. Stress – To ensure the wellbeing of your dog, as an owner you should provide him or her with an environment where they feel safe. You can do this by providing comfortable beds, toys and games, and providing them with an outlet should they feel overwhelmed.
3. Provide A Healthier Diet For Your Dog – Dogs need protein as one of their core dietary elements, and thrive on foods rich in various forms of proteins such as chicken, beef, fish, pork and lamb. A balanced diet should contain more proteins while less fats and carbohydrates.
4. Foods to avoid – Commercial foods often contain added sugar and artificial sweeteners like high fructose corn syrup that may wreak havoc with digestive systems, leading to discomfort in the digestive tract and potentially leading to obesity. These ingredients may also increase risk for cancer development in some cases.
5. Supplements – Probiotics, prebiotics and other supplements may provide your dog with added help for his/her gut health by resetting bacteria levels in his stomach and intestines and improving digestion and bowel function.
6. Coconut oil – Coconut oil offers your dog many health advantages, from soothing their skin and hair to freshening up their breath. Add one teaspoon to their regular food or use homemade treats as an additive.
7. Pet probiotics – Pet probiotics are supplements designed to strengthen your dog’s gut microbiome by adding beneficial bacteria into their system. These are important in maintaining balance in gut flora, and may help alleviate inflammation within their GI tract.
8. Vitamins and Minerals – Your dog requires certain vitamins such as B12 and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron and potassium in their diet to function at their best. While you can find sources of these essential nutrients naturally, always consult with a vet first to make sure that they’re getting enough in their daily meal plans.
9. Bones – Raw bones should be an integral part of your dog’s diet, providing extra fiber, calcium and other essential nutrients. In particular, puppies and growing dogs benefit greatly from raw bones as it aids their muscle growth by providing essential nutrition.
10. How to Maintain Your Dog’s Health – To make sure your pup remains in top form, see your veterinarian regularly for checkups, dietary advice and preventive care. He or she can conduct physical exams and recommend tests in order to gauge your pup’s overall wellbeing.
To help ensure that your dog lives a long and fulfilled life, it is essential that you meet their medical needs as well as encourage active play. A balanced diet, plenty of physical activity and stress-free living all help contribute to optimal health in dogs.
